QUESTION: I have an idea for a project, but I'm not sure if it's the kind of thing that NEF will fund. Is there someone I can talk to about my idea?

ANSWER: Yes, any member of the NEF Small Grants Committee would be happy to talk to you about your idea! They encourage potential applicants to talk over their ideas with them and get advice that will increase their chances of getting funded. You can call or email Susan Rosen (serosen52@hotmail.com; 586-8395), Beth Bellavance-Grace (babalooloo@hotmail.com; 584-7912), Julie Hooks Davis (juliehd@itd-amherst.org; 584-4068) or Robin Jurs (robinjurs@comcast.net)..

QUESTION: For the project I have in mind, I mainly need supplies. However, NEF grant guidelines say that it does not fund requests that are only for books, materials, etc. Does that disqualify my project?

ANSWER: No. Books, materials, technology upgrades can be funded by NEF grants. However, they can only be funded as part of an educational project; your grant application needs to explain the project as a whole and how the requested supplies will be used for the project. For example, a request for cooking supplies for an after-school activity would not qualify for funding. However, a request for funds to purchase supplies needed to conduct science experiments and journals to record results as part of a science curriculum would be eligible for funding.

QUESTION: I am a teacher in the Northampton schools, and I would like to apply for a grant for a project that I will do with my students during the school day. Am I allowed to ask for any money for myself in my grant?

ANSWER: Yes. As part of a grant, teachers and other school staff may request a stipend that will pay them at the rate of $25/hour for any time that they plan to spend on their project (planning, developing materials, etc.) outside of the classroom.

QUESTION: I have an idea for a project but if I wait until the next grant cycle to apply, it will be too late to do it. Are there any other options?

ANSWER: Yes. You can apply any time for a "special grant" of up to $1000. The guidelines are similar to those for regular grants. For more information, contact the NEF President: Ellen Nigrosh (enigrosh@verizon.net).

QUESTION: How many times may I apply for the same grant?

ANSWER: Successful grants may apply for up to three years of funding. However, in the third year, the grantee may not apply for more than 1/2 the funds granted in the second year.

QUESTION: When is the final report for my grant due?

ANSWER: All grant recipients must submit a final report, due by August 15th. This is especially important if you intend to apply for second and third year funding.

QUESTION: How do I submit for disbursement of my NEF grant money?

ANSWER: You may either submit invoices for direct payment by the NEF, or you may submit for reimbursement of approved expenses you have incurred. For more information, please see Instructions for Grant Disbursements.